Los Angeles Lakers: Three reasons why LA would have swept Memphis

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 21: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers is guarded by Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the third quarter at Staples Center on February 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 21: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers is guarded by Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the third quarter at Staples Center on February 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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(Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

3. Experience

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the oldest teams in the league and they will use that to their advantage. In this first-round series, that gap is insurmountable. The Lakers have a collection of players that have played in many playoff series and even in NBA Finals.

Guys like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, JaVale McGee, Danny Green, Rajon Rondo, and Avery Bradley have played their fair share of big games in their careers.

Memphis on the other hand has only a handful of players that have been on the big stage. Justise Winslow, Jonas Valanciunas, and Kyle Anderson are the only significant players with any true experience in the playoffs.

The good news is that the Grizzlies will also get Winslow back once play resumes. Winslow has yet to make his Grizzlies debut due to a back injury. He was averaging 11.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4 assists with Miami. He will likely draw the assignment of defending LeBron James.

The experience edge even favors the Lakers at head coach. Frank Vogel has been to the Conference Finals multiple times, while Memphis has a first-year head coach in Taylor Jenkins.